That alcohol abuse might put a stress on the heart to affect mitochondria, the factories of cellular energy, is a known fact. However, medical community, so far, has not been aware of the precise mechanism. This prompted a group of researchers from the New York State Department of Health and the Philadelphia based Thomas Jefferson University to provide more insight into the matter. The scientists used a mechanism known as electron microscopic tomography to produce the very first 3D image of mitochondria. The images linked mitochondria to a calcium storing cell compartment called endoscopic reticulum. In general parlance, Mitochondria are not known to require much calcium. However, as mitochondria near the endoscopic reticulum or ER, there is an increase in its calcium uptake. Now calcium overload may end up damaging the mitochondria. This automatically shuts down the production of energy and results in cell death. Moreover, the study clearly revealed how mitochondria in alcohol fed rats were dismantled.

Via: MedicalNewsToday

Portrayal of tobacco or smoking in movies has been unacceptable for a long time. However, a recent study has found new evidence to suggest that drinking too should meet with similar responses, especially when depicted onscreen. The more young boys or girls in their teens watched T.V. shows or movies featuring alcohol consumption, the more it makes them prone to drinking, the research claims. The study was conducted on groups from various parts of Europe. Teens from nations like Iceland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland were questioned about the number of drinks they had per day and what movies they liked watching. A majority of those who took more than five drinks a day named movies where alcohol drinking has been portrayed quiet openly in some scenes.

Via: MedicalNewsToday

Alcohol intake in large amounts doubles the risks of getting colorectal cancer for obese subjects, says a recent study from Labrador. However, non-obese subjects, the study further claims, are in a better position compared to their obese counterparts. The conclusions were derived from data gathered through over-the-phone conversations with around 60 percent of the subjects. The study refrained from portraying any direct relation between CRC and alcohol with respect to the entire population. Hence, all that can be said is stay away from alcohol all the more if you tend to be overweight.

Via: MedicalNewsToday

How many times have you heard people declaring that non drinkers will die sooner than alcohol addicts? Not once we predict. However, here is a piece of research that puts alcohol abuse in a completely different light. Going against all notions, the recent study claims that alcoholism makes you live longer. So how do the researchers explain their point? A majority of those who showed up as abstainers in the study actually turned out to be heavy drinkers. Such people had already undergone a plethora of problems that come with alcohol drinking. However, in all, the study also points at the relative safety of being a moderate drinker. When you tend drink moderately, averaging between one and three small measures each day, it gives you, of all things, a better life. You have the support of family and friends and are not likely to be left isolated when you need help.

Via: Time

Alcohol abuse may lead to cancer, says a latest research. The study tracked close to 35,000 people in 8 nations for a period of 13 years. According to the research, 10 percent of the cancer cases in men and 3 percent of those in women are triggered through heavy alcoholism. In fact, alcohol abuse may even give rise to symptoms of breast cancer, the finding revealed. The study further shows that 45 percent of larynx, mouth and throat cancer cases in men are directly attributable to alcohol drinking. Alcohol abuse is the prime reason behind thirty percent of the liver cancer cases affecting men. However, the researchers are unclear about the exact reasons that trigger cancer among alcohol drinkers.

Via: Health.USNews